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Does Inactivity Make Lower Back Pain Worse?

Does Inactivity Make Lower Back Pain Worse?

Lower back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s a condition that can significantly impact daily life, making simple tasks challenging and reducing overall quality of life. One question often asked by those suffering from this condition is, “Does inactivity make lower back pain worse?” The short answer is yes. Inactivity can indeed exacerbate lower back pain, leading to a vicious cycle of pain and further inactivity. However, understanding why this happens and how to combat it is crucial for managing and alleviating the condition. At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, we offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to treat and manage lower back pain effectively. 

The Relationship Between Inactivity and Lower Back Pain 

Inactivity can worsen lower back pain for several reasons. When you are inactive, your muscles, particularly those supporting the spine, can weaken and lose their tone. These muscles play a crucial role in maintaining spinal alignment and supporting your body. Without regular activity, they may not provide the necessary support, leading to increased strain on the spine and subsequent pain. Moreover, inactivity can lead to stiffness and reduced flexibility. The muscles and ligaments around the lower back can become tight and less able to absorb shocks, increasing the likelihood of pain. Additionally, prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to weight gain, which places extra stress on the lower back, further exacerbating pain. Psychologically, inactivity can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, which have been shown to amplify the perception of pain. This psychological aspect creates a feedback loop where pain leads to inactivity, which then leads to more pain. 

The Role of Movement in Alleviating Lower Back Pain 

Movement and exercise are critical components in managing and alleviating lower back pain. Regular physical activity helps to strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance overall physical fitness. This can reduce the strain on the lower back and help prevent future episodes of pain. Exercise also promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals can help to reduce pain and improve mood, breaking the cycle of pain and inactivity. Furthermore, staying active can help maintain a healthy weight, which reduces the burden on the lower back. However, it’s important to note that not all exercises are suitable for individuals with lower back pain. High-impact activities or exercises that involve heavy lifting or twisting can sometimes aggravate the condition. Therefore, it’s crucial to engage in exercises that are specifically designed to strengthen and support the lower back. 

How CARESPACE Can Help 

At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, we understand the complexities of lower back pain and the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach. Our team of multidisciplinary practitioners works together to create personalized, evidence-based care plans that address the root causes of lower back pain and provide effective, long-lasting relief. Our coordinated care includes input from various healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, kinesiologists, and more. This collaborative approach ensures that each aspect of your health is considered, leading to a holistic treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. 

Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain 

Physiotherapists in Waterloo at CARESPACE play a vital role in managing lower back pain. They are experts in human movement and function, and they use this expertise to design exercise programs that strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance overall physical fitness. A physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the underlying causes of your lower back pain. Based on this assessment, they will develop a personalized exercise plan that may include stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises. These exercises are designed to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent future episodes of lower back pain. In addition to exercise, physiotherapists may use other techniques such as manual therapy, heat and cold therapy, and education on posture and body mechanics. These interventions can help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve your ability to perform daily activities. 

Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain 

Chiropractors in Waterloo at CARESPACE also play a crucial role in treating lower back pain. Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine, improve alignment, and relieve pain. One of the primary techniques used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, also known as chiropractic adjustment. This technique involves applying controlled force to the joints of the spine to improve alignment, increase range of motion, and reduce pain. Spinal manipulation has been shown to be effective in relieving lower back pain and improving function. Chiropractors may also use other treatments such as mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and education on proper body mechanics and posture. These interventions can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future episodes of lower back pain. 

The Collaborative Approach at CARESPACE 

What sets CARESPACE apart is our collaborative approach to healthcare. Our physiotherapists and chiropractors work together, along with other healthcare professionals, to provide comprehensive care for lower back pain. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of your health are considered, leading to more effective and long-lasting results. For example, a physiotherapist might develop an exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, while a chiropractor might use spinal manipulation to improve alignment and reduce pain. By combining these approaches, we can provide more comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of lower back pain. In addition to physiotherapy and chiropractic care, our multidisciplinary team may include kinesiologists, fitness trainers, dietitians, RMTs, naturopathic doctors, osteopaths, and psychotherapists. This diverse team allows us to create personalized care plans that address all aspects of your health and well-being. 

Inactivity can indeed make lower back pain worse, leading to a cycle of pain and further inactivity. However, with the right approach, it is possible to manage and alleviate lower back pain effectively. At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, we offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating lower back pain. Our team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals work together to create personalized care plans that address the root causes of your pain and provide effective, long-lasting relief. By staying active and following a personalized treatment plan, you can break the cycle of pain and inactivity and achieve your health goals. 

About the Author

Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC is a chiropractor at CARESPACE Uptown Waterloo. He helps clients improve their health through personalized, evidence-based care. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Waterloo, CARESPACE offers coordinated support designed to help you be your best.